Not such a Perfect Moment: Former EastEnders actress Martine McCutcheon is declared bankrupt

By SARAH BULL and TARA EVANS

PUBLISHED: 12:29, 12 February 2013 | UPDATED: 20:03, 12 February 2013

Former EastEnders star Martine McCutcheon has been declared bankrupt.

The Love Actually actress, 36, petitioned for bankruptcy at Kingston-Upon-Thames County Court.

Bankruptcy trustees KPMG said the star's 'largest creditor' was Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

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Not her Perfect Moment: Martine McCutcheon, seen here in an episode of Midsomer Murders which aired last month, has been declared bankrupt

Wedded bliss: Martine married Jack McManus last September in Italy

McCutcheon shot to fame at the age of 18 as Tiffany in BBC1 soap EastEnders.

She went on to enjoy a number one hit with the song Perfect Moment and win a Laurence Olivier Award in 2002 for her role as Eliza Doolittle in the stage production of My Fair Lady.

McCutcheon also published a novel, The Mistress in 2009, which was a top 10 bestseller, and starred with Hugh Grant in 2003 film Love Actually.

Last year, she was pictured in Hello! magazine tying-the-knot on the shores of Italy's Lake Como with 'best friend' Jack McManus.

McCutcheon, who was the face of Danone Activia yoghurt in its TV adverts, recently filmed an episode of Midsomer Murders.

KPMG'S David Standish, who was appointed joint trustee in bankruptcy of McCutcheon by the Secretary of State on January 24, said: "Ms McCutcheon petitioned for her own bankruptcy at Kingston-Upon-Thames County Court.

'We are now responsible for administering her estate and are in the process of establishing the individual's assets and liabilities, the largest creditor being Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs.'

According to her management's website, she is working on a second novel and is in the studio working on new material.

McCutcheon's manager has been contacted for comment.

She is not the first celebrity to end up in money troubles despite an apparently successful and lucrative career.

Back in the day: Martine as Tiffany in EastEnders with Ross Kemp as Grant Mitchell

Former T4 presenter Miquita Oliver was declared bankrupt in November 2011 due to a petition by HMRC over £174,000 worth of unpaid taxes.

And former Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona was declared bankrupt in August 2008 due to unpaid taxes amounting to £417,000.

Another EastEnders star, Joe Swash, was declared bankrupt in November 2009 by London's High Court after failing to pay a £20,000 tax bill.

Jack of all trades: Martine had a number one single with Perfect Moment, and achieved success as Eliza Doolittle in the stage version of My Fair Lady in 2001

Writing talent: Martine also released her debut novel The Mistress in 2009

WHAT DOES BANKRUPTCY MEAN?

Bankruptcy means that your assets are sold and the money is used to pay your creditors as much as possible.

If you are made bankrupt you will not be able to:

Use your bank or building society account or credit card [You get a basic bank account instead]
Obtain credit for over £500
Trade in any business under any other name
Promote, form or manage a limited company
Be the trustee of a charity or pension fund

If things get too much...

Then you should speak to someone immediately. If you feel that you can't repay your loan or keep up with your credit card payments then contact your credit-provider, they will be able to set up a repayment structure for you.

If it is more serious, like you can't afford your rent or mortgage payments or have an unpaid tax-bill, then there are resources that provide free independent advice.

Free debt advice is available from Citizens Advice, National Debtline, StepChange or the Money Advice Trust.